Uzbekistan Qualifies for 2026 World Cup
Photo: Instagram.com/uzbekistanfa
Uzbekistan’s national football team has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — making history as the first nation from Central Asia to do so since gaining independence, Orda.kz reports.
A 0–0 draw against the UAE on June 5 in Abu Dhabi secured Uzbekistan second place in Group A of the Asian qualifiers, guaranteeing direct entry with 18 points. Iran tops the group with 20 points; both teams have qualified.
Led by Timur Kapadze, who took over shortly before the final two matches, Uzbekistan had a strong campaign, losing just once in 12 qualifiers.
This is Uzbekistan’s first World Cup appearance after eight previous unsuccessful qualification attempts since gaining independence in 1991. The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams.
Uzbekistan is the eighth Asian nation to qualify, joining hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, and Iran.
Several Uzbekistan players currently play in Europe — including Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov (AS Roma), and Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow).
Original Author: Ruslan Loginov
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